Burning Spear

As one of the great trance singers and stylists in the genre, Winston Rodney (aka Burning Spear) has always come up with records that are distinctive and socially conscious. This 1997 12-track effort for the Heartbeat imprint is no exception, kicking off with "The Future (Clean It Up)," and a plea for worldwide understanding of mankind's current state of affairs. A prayer to Jah to eradicate prejudice comes with the title track, a sentiment that also surfaces in "Glory Be to Jah." An odd but nonetheless compelling tribute to Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead comes with the celebratory "Play Jerry." The rest of the album's themes vacillate between social consciousness-raising ("Come in Peace," "Don't Sell Out," "African Jamaican," "My Island," "Commercial Development") and the peace that comes when the "music" is right ("Loving You," "Reggae Physician," and the set closer, "Music"). The Spear burns on. [There is also a version that includes a bonus DVD.] ~ Cub Koda, All Music Guide